### Meeting Overview The Public Works and Natural Resources Committee met on February 10, 2025, to consider two major infrastructure items: adopting a 10-year plan for the city's municipal fiber network and updating waste management codes to comply with state requirements and climate goals. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Fiber Network Rings:** Network architecture that creates multiple pathways for data transmission so if one section is damaged, service continues through alternate routes. **Single Point of Failure:** A network configuration where if one cable or connection is broken, an entire facility loses service. **OTDR Testing:** Optical Time Domain Reflectometry - equipment that sends light through fiber cables to identify problem areas like bends or breaks. **Food Plus Service:** Mandatory organic waste collection including food scraps, food-soiled papers, yard waste, and approved compostable packaging. **Single-Stream Recycling:** A system where all recyclable materials go in one container instead of being separated by type. **House Bill 1799:** Washington State law requiring diversion of organic materials from landfills through composting and organics management. **Municipal Code 9.12:** Bellingham's city regulations governing garbage collection, containers, and billing procedures. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Hannah Stone | Committee Chair, Council Member | | Lisa Anderson | Committee Member, Council Member | | Jace Cotton | Committee Member, Council Member | | Joel Pfundt | Interim Public Works Co-Director | | John Gaven | Fiber Optic Network Engineer | | Mike Olinger | Interim Public Works Co-Director | | Sean O'Neill | Solid Waste Management Manager | | Ted Carlson | General Manager, Sanitary Services Company | ### Background Context The fiber network plan addresses critical infrastructure needs as the city's current system has vulnerabilities—some cables are buried only six inches deep and frequently get damaged during construction. The network supports essential services like emergency operations, schools, and public safety, but wasn't designed to provide residential broadband service, which would cost an estimated $150 million that the city cannot afford. The waste management code changes implement state-mandated organics diversion to reduce methane emissions from landfills, a potent greenhouse gas. Starting January 1, 2025, all residential customers must have Food Plus service, though some residents are concerned about costs, especially those who already compost at home. ### What Happened — The Short Version Both items passed unanimously. The committee approved a $8.27 million fiber network upgrade plan focused on improving redundancy for city operations rather than providing public broadband. They also approved waste code updates requiring mandatory organics collection while adding language to improve notification of rate increases. Council members requested staff return with analysis of expanding utility discount programs. ### What to Watch Next • Staff will analyze expanding the 15% utility discount rate and eligibility criteria • Fiber network Phase 1 work ($421,500) will begin with testing and southwest route upgrades • Implementation of mandatory Food Plus service continues through May 2025 • Council may revisit broadband advisory group recommendations in the future ---